FG Faults FUTO VC Over Appointments, Orders Immediate Cancellation, Summons Him To Abuja

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Federal Ministry of Education has  directed the new Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo state , Prof. Ikechukwu Dozie to immediately reverse the appointments of 24 aides attached to his office, citing alleged gross violations of extant rules and procedures as major reasons for its action.

Professor Dozie who assumed office on June 18, 2026, as the 9th substantive Vice Chancellor of the university was said to have come under intense scrutiny following a wave of  decisions less than two weeks into his tenure.

In a leaked memo, the supervising Ministry ordered the Vice Chancellor to withdraw the said appointments ,and also tender evidence of compliance immediately.

In the memo dated June 25, 2026, with reference number FME/SFU/16A/Vol.IV/470,  the Federal Ministry of Education described the appointments as both irregular and inconsistent with extant rules and regulations governing the operations of federal universities and institutions.

According to the confidential letter signed by Dr Kareem O L , a Director, the Ministry emphasized that the decision to cancel the said appointments was sequel to a painstaking review, and examination of the circumstances surrounding them, insisting that they are totally at variance with all known, and established regulations, procedures, as well as the principles of due process governing staff recruitments in federal universities.

This is as the Vice Chancellor has, also, been invited Abuja for further interaction at the Federal Ministry of Education Headquarters.

In the leaked memo, the Vice Chancellor was directed to  meet some officials of the Ministry on June 29, 2026, to further review the situation at FUTO.

Particularly, the meeting according to the letter, is to focus on some observed flaws and general misgivings relating to institutional governance, administrative accountability, due process as well as compliance with regulatory framework governing operations of Federal Universities.

The Ministry in the confidential memo also reaffirmed its unflinching commitment towards ensuring institutional discipline, integrity and accountability.

“The Ministry remains committed to promoting transparency, prudence and best practices in the management of our tertiary institutions”, the letter reads in part.